Expedia & Wheel The World: Breaking Barriers for More Inclusive Travel

In an exciting announcement, global travel giant Expedia Group has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Wheel the World, the trailblazing travel platform for people with disabilities. This collaboration will see Expedia Group become the exclusive supplier for Wheel the World's lodging needs, a significant development that promises to revolutionize the accessibility of travel for all.

With this seamless booking process, they can now easily peruse a global supply of hotels, confident in the knowledge that the accessibility features they require have been fully vetted and detailed by Wheel the World. This innovative partnership between two industry leaders has truly revolutionized the travel experience for individuals with mobility impairments.

“Our mission is to power global travel for everyone, everywhere, and we’re continuously looking for ways to improve the travel experience across our sites for all travelers,” states Mindy Rehse, Vice President, Commercial Partnerships Americas, at Expedia Group.

“We are proud to partner with Wheel the World on a solution that addresses the need for seamless, end-to-end travel experiences for travelers with disabilities around the world. As we continue to build the program globally, we will work with the teams in different regions to ensure our solutions meet the specific needs of customers in those areas.”

Thanks to Expedia Group's cutting-edge Rapid API technology, Wheel the World's customers can now enjoy unrivaled access to the group's vast, directly sourced hotel inventory. From luxurious resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, the range of accommodations on offer will impress even the most discerning of travelers. What's more, with the ability to filter properties by accessibility needs and personal preferences, the experience is set to be as easy as it is memorable.

“Consumers are paying attention to travel brands’ commitment to inclusion, diversity, and accessibility, and it’s influencing their purchasing decisions,” Rehse explains. “Inclusive travel means representing travelers of all abilities as well all backgrounds and identities. Our research shows 92% of consumers think it’s important for travel providers to meet the accessibility needs of all travelers. Furthermore, the study shows that 7 in 10 consumers would choose a destination, lodging, or transportation option that is more inclusive to all types of travelers, even if it’s more expensive. This means they are willing to spend more on travel that’s truly inclusive.”

This partnership marks yet another significant stride in Expedia Group's ongoing efforts to cultivate a more equitable and welcoming travel landscape for all. Undoubtedly, the brand's steadfast dedication to this cause has been evident in its previous partnerships with organizations such as Disability:IN and the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP).

By aligning themselves with such institutions, the Expedia Group has been able to glean invaluable insights and implement best practices that promote universal accessibility and inclusivity. Through tireless collaboration with such entities, the brand has been able to strengthen its mission of ensuring that all travelers, regardless of ability, are empowered to explore the world on their terms.

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Photos provided by: Expedia Group

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